Gearank

The Roland TD-1K is a compact kit well suited to younger players and those who don't have a lot of spare space at home.

The cymbals can be choked just like acoustic cymbals, and the hi-hat plays much more like a real one. The cymbals are also dual zone and their velocity sensitivity lets you get a 'bell' sound as well.

It also has a built-in metronome and coach functions which measure your performance and give you feedback helping you to improve your drumming.

It's a small compact kit which is a plus if space is at a premium, but if you're used to playing a full sized kit you will have to adjust to the size. The demo video below gives you a good sense of the size and layout.

Features

• A single zone 7" snare pad
• 3 single zone 7" tom pads
• Kick pedal which is beater-less and is quieter than having a kick pad
• Hi-Hat Pad
• Hi-Hat Pedal
• Crash Pad witch choke
• Ride Pad
• TD-1 Drum Module with 15 Kits
• 15 bult-in kits
• USB/MIDI connection for editing and using it as a MIDI controller with your computer
• 1/8" Stereo Out for Headphones
• 1/8" Stereo Mix In for listening to external tracks you play along with while wearing headphones

Pros

Reviewers consistently praise the sound of the 15 preset kits and the realism of the hi-hat. Many reviewers also say that with the USB MIDI it works very well as a MIDI controller and for recording drums to MIDI. In his expert review on Harmony Central Dendy Jarrett said, "Even though the TD-1K is marketed as an entry- level electronic kit, I would consider it for light-playing gigs".

Cons

The main issue with the Roland TD-1K 5 is for those who want a dual zone snare which it doesn't have.

Overall

This is a great choice for smaller drummers or if you don't have a lot of spare space.

At publication time this was on our recommended list for The Best Electronic Drum Sets Under $1000.